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With market turbulence and a down economy, investors may be searching for safe-harbor assets. The Artist Rare Instrument Fund makes the case for considering antique Italian violins and cellos as assets with steady, long-term capital appreciation. The article offers suggestions for moving into the market as a private investor or someone who buys into a fund that invests in rare instruments.

Purchasing or building a yacht can be a time-consuming and complicated process, particularly for buyers who are unfamiliar with the industry and the specifics of yacht construction. The Global SuperYacht Group explains the role of a maritime advisor and how he or she can streamline the process and protect the buyer.

With estate tax repeal less likely, grantor trusts are gaining attention as a way to optimize existing tax exemptions. Because grantor trusts offer income tax and estate tax benefits, they also can be a powerful tool for removing assets from a taxable estate. This article from Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management explains the types of trusts, how to set up a trust and how to name beneficiaries.

During extraordinary market conditions of all kinds – good and bad – it is usual to hear people say, "It's different this time." Of course, every market environment is different from every other market environment, but what these people are saying is that market conditions today are so exceptional, so completely unprecedented, that investors will need to reassess everything they thought they knew about the investment process – or face serious consequences.

In order to increase the bottom line of a family office, one of the key econometrics is understanding the relationship between the fee charged and the costs associated with each client. Understanding the fees charged to a client is usually well known based on invoices sent to the client. However, without a corresponding knowledge of the costs per client, it is impossible to know if the fee assessed is adequate. To understand costs, it is necessary to track the time spent servicing each client.

At a time when some businesses are struggling simply to stay afloat, warnings over the dangers of inappropriate usage of business e-mail might seem misplaced. However, this remains a risk that can often be poorly managed and that could cause disproportionate damage to an already fragile corporate.

A tough economy can bring out the worst or the best in families who face difficult discussions and decisions about reducing philanthropic efforts, selling or changing a family business, or coping with a family member's problems. This article from RayLign Advisory contends that solid financial information and a no-nonsense approach to emotional subtexts can mitigate harm to family relationships.

Organizations that invest in leadership development perform better than those that don't. Challenging economic times underscore this fact even more, according to independent reports collected by the Center for Creative Leadership. Studies show investment in leadership development improves financial performance, attracts and retains talent, drives a performance culture and increases company agility.

Compared to the maelstrom that unfolded in the 4th quarter of 2008, the first 90 days of this year felt like a veritable walk in the park. There was no lack of negative news but, as the quarter progressed, there were signs that the economy was at or approaching a bottom.

A new report from Origami Capital Partners makes the case for purchasing hedge fund interests on a secondary basis. The author not only explains how the hedge fund secondary market works but also examines the benefits and challenges of investing in that market.